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Children who get new school clothes as part of the Greensboro YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program aren’t the only ones who come away happy after the shopping trip.

“It’s a wonderful experience because the volunteer gets out of it at least as much as the children do,” said Joye Donovant, a program volunteer and member of the Reidsville YMCA board. “It’s just a fun time for everyone.”

The Reidsville, Spears and Ragsdale YMCAs still need volunteers to shop with children this week.

Local YMCAs raise money each year to buy needy children new clothes and school supplies. Individuals and businesses in Reidsville helped raise more than $7,200 this year, said Kevin Bottomley, executive director of the Reidsville Y.

The YMCAs consult with schools, churches and civic groups to identify children whose families need help with clothes. Volunteers accompany the children to Walmart or Target to help them select appropriate items. “We’re starting to have repeat volunteers because they enjoy it so much,” Donovant said.

Area YMCAs said they have noticed an increase in the number of families that need help. The Reidsville Y took 10 kids shopping when the program started five years ago, Bottomley said. This year it will take 66 kids shopping.

Bright Beginnings started in Greensboro 11 years ago, supporting 25 children at one branch.

“We expect to take about 350 to 400 shopping (this year),” said Nancy Calkins, the YMCA’s vice president of financial development.

Grants from American Express and Lincoln Financial help the Greensboro programs, Calkins said. A fundraising total was not available Monday because money was still coming in, she said.

All but two Greensboro branches had completed their shopping as of Monday. Both the Spears and Ragsdale branches, as well as Reidsville, have shopping days scheduled this week and need volunteers.

Lynn Crawford, membership director for the Spears branch, said she needs about 25 volunteers for Thursday’s shopping trip to Target.

Calkins said the program helps children start the school year with confidence.

“The volunteers really make this a very special event for the children,” she said.

Contact Jonnelle Davis at 627-4881, Ext. 126, or jonnelle.davis@news-record.com